PARKS Victoria has changed its requirements to carry chains to Mount Buffalo, aiming to increase accessibility this winter.

Previously, visitors were required to carry wheel chains within Mount Buffalo National Park during the declared snow season.

Chief ranger Julien Atherstone said the changes were able to be made due to the lack of accommodation available at Mount Buffalo.

“Given that Mount Buffalo is significantly lower than the larger resorts this often meant that we required chains to be carried up here on the plateau when there was little or no snow on the ground and the road was dry and clear,” he said.

“This may have been appropriate previously, particularly when we had visitors staying on the mountain during winter for extended periods; however this is no longer the case.”

The new system will allow Parks Victoria to remove the requirement to carry chains if the forecast is “fine and clear” for the coming 24 hours.

“The basic concept is that during the declared snow season when either snow is forecast for less than 1600 metres,” Mr Atherstone said.

“The highest point on the roads at Mount Buffalo during winter being over 1550 metres, or when potentially hazardous snow or ice conditions exist on the road, chains will be required.

“When neither if these conditions exist, we can remove the requirement to carry chains.”

Mr Atherstone said the “Chains Must Be Carried” sign at the entrance to Mount Buffalo is ultimately the official word on whether chains are needed that day or not.

“When this sign is closed chains will not be required and when it is open chains must be carried,” he said.

Every day around 9am an email update will be sent to Visitor Information Centre’s, ski hires and other stakeholders detailing if chains are required.

The decision will be made about 4pm the previous day but will be flexible to change if conditions worsen overnight.

Mr Atherstone said it is not expected the requirements for chains will chop and change.

“We are expecting the determination to be reasonably consistent given that the Mount Buffalo road does have areas that hold snow and ice for some time creating hazardous conditions,” he said.

“The biggest change will be at the start and end of the season when the snow either has not arrived yet or has left us early.”